Countdown to COP #3: Low Embodied Carbon Materials

On the 6th of August, the GIA Sustainability Committee held the third instalment in its monthly “Countdown to COP” series of events - focusing on a different aspect of sustainable design each time. This event focused on low embodied carbon materials, as 11% of all carbon emissions worldwide are embodied in our built environment (UKGBC, 2019), it shall be a key aspect in decarbonising our built environment. Especially if we are to hit Scotland’s Net Zero target of 2045.

First, Scott Simpson CEO of IndiNature introduced their 100% natural, hemp and biopolymer based construction materials and set the scene of the construction industry’s resource use intensity and its wastage in regards to contributing to the Climate and Ecological Emergency. Next, Ryan Cossar from MAST Architects introduced CLT (Cross-Laminated Timber) as a construction material using their case-study project Ellerslie Crescent in Yoker in developed in collaboration with CCG,; passing on lessons and takeaways from its design and delivery. We then had Peter Smith of Roderick James Architects walk us through some of their recent work with timber housing and exploring ways to deliver upon the RIBA’s 2030 climate challenge using timber in comparison to ubiquitous techniques.

This was followed by a general Q+A with our speakers, and the video can be watched in full below.